Understanding the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Increasing Prevalence and Trends
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of mortality worldwide. It is a treatable condition marked by chronic respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation due to airway and alveolar abnormalities mostly caused by prolonged exposure to noxious particles or gasses. Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis are the two forms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
Chronic and progressive dyspnea is the most prevalent Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease symptom. Sputum production is associated with coughing in up to 30% of individuals. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease symptoms might change from day to day and can last for several years before airflow limitation occurs. Long-term exposure to irritants that damage the lungs and airways is the most common cause of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Pipe, cigar, and other forms of tobacco smoke, as well as alcohol, are among the other reasons.
The most successful and extensively used method for diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is spirometry, often known as pulmonary function testing or PFT. Genetic testing, chest x-ray, CT scan, sputum examination, electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), and other tests are used to diagnose Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
According to DelveInsight’s Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Epidemiology Forecast, there were 34 million Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients diagnosed in 7MM. With 17 million cases, the United States had the highest Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease prevalence. Germany has the greatest incidence among European countries, followed by Italy and France.
Exposure to air pollution, working with chemicals, dust, and fumes, a genetic condition known as Alpha-1 deficiency, a history of childhood respiratory infection, and others are all factors that contribute to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease prevalence. Furthermore, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease has become much more common in recent years as a result of greater smoking rates and aging populations in many nations. Awareness of the condition and developments in diagnostic equipment are also driving forces.
COVID-19 infection is more likely to affect patients with chronic respiratory disorders, especially Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), due to a lack of underlying lung reserve and increased expression of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor in the small airways. Furthermore, in the absence of proper and early treatment and prior to the availability of vaccinations, COVID-19 infection in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patients might develop intolerable dyspnea, hypoxia, dry cough, and severe fatigue with or without sputum production. Extreme individuals developed pneumonia, necessitating admission to the hospital, ICU admission, and, in some circumstances, death. On the other hand, comprehensive assessments of the risks, severity, and clinical course of COVID-19 individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease are missing. According to the World Health Organization, around 8200 people will die from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease every day by 2030.
A failure to comprehend the clinical course and clinical significance might result in a missed chance to make the proper diagnosis. As a result of the fact that many individuals are still unaware of the condition, many instances go untreated and unreported. Furthermore, the cost of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease therapy is often considerable, and it rises as the disease progresses. The cost of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease treatment nearly doubles as the condition progresses. As a result, the vast majority of people choose self-treatment. Furthermore, there is no treatment for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease that can cure the disease; instead, it can only delay the course of the disease.
